Intensive Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
75
%
Field Cover
1
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Mesic mixed hardwood forest dominated by Fagus grandifolia on steep lower slope abuts nearly pure Tsuga canadensis forest on northeast- and northeast-facing slope above Quantico Creek just east of Prince William Forest Park boundary. A few Tsuga saplings occur in ravine along boundary at base of slope, and this plot was sampled to document the occurrence of Tsuga within the park proper. Evidence of minor infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid was observed in May 1998, but not at the time of sampling in July 1998. Tsuga individuals present in plot, however, are far from robust; several exhibit signs of crown damage or poor crown development. Steep slope at the far end of plot (modules 6-8), where intermittent stream has undercut bank, is the landscape feature to which most species additions in residual modules can be attributed. Small gap present in modules 6 and 7.
Directions to plot: Park at Pine Grove Picnic Area. Eastern trailhead for Laurel Loop Trail is not well-marked, but is located ca. 100 m from parking lot, uphill near privy. Follow trail north to Birch Bluff Trail, then follow the latter to switchback near the confluence of Quantico Creek and North Fork Quantico Creek. Follow Quantico Creek east to park boundary. Stake A stands ca. 30 m from creek.
